THE POINT PUERTO RICO

OUR TEAM

Meet the Team

Jillian
Cox

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  • Jill Cox serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Point School Puerto Rico. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Secondary Education. Jill is currently working to obtain her Master’s degree in Human Service Administration from Bellevue University. Jill began her career working in therapeutic boarding schools, where she found a passion for working with those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After finding her passion, she then focused her efforts on becoming a Behavior Specialist where she helped middle and high school students improve their behavior in the school setting. While serving as Behavior Specialist Jill provided direct intervention, created school safety protocols, and served as the Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention trainer. Jill has also worked at non profits throughout South Florida. Through her work with non profits, Jill advocated for services for clients within their communities and provided parent support and training.Throughout Jill’s experience she has focused on how to help staff and parents see client behavior as communication of needs. Showing both families and staff that if that if they look towards what is being communicated that we can find how to both decrease the behavior and more importantly help the client is Jill’s passion. She feels that with strong relationship building, clients feel safe to seek the help they need and will be more likely to accept feedback.

    Jill originally joined Point School’s partner program, Brightstone Transitions in 2017 upon moving to Georgia. In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running, and travels back to New England to see family and friends. Jill Allen serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Point School Puerto Rico. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Secondary Education. Jill is currently working to obtain her Master’s degree in Human Service Administration from Bellevue University. Jill began her career working in therapeutic boarding schools, where she found a passion for working with those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After finding her passion, she then focused her efforts on becoming a Behavior Specialist where she helped middle and high school students improve their behavior in the school setting. While serving as Behavior Specialist Jill provided direct intervention, created school safety protocols, and served as the Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention trainer. Jill has also provided in-home supports to clients and families as a Case Manager and Supervisor with Boys Town of South Florida. While at Boys Town, Jill advocated for services for clients within their communities and provided parent support and training.

    Throughout Jill’s experience she has focused on how to help staff and parents see client behavior as communication of needs. Showing both families and staff that if that if they look towards what is being communicated that we can find how to both decrease the behavior and more importantly help the client is Jill’s passion. She feels that with strong relationship building, clients feel safe to seek the help they need and will be more likely to accept feedback.

    Jill originally joined Point School’s partner program, Brightstone Transitions in 2017 upon moving to Georgia. In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running, and travels back to New England to see family and friends.

JASON
COX

CO-OWNER

  • Jason is the Co-Owner. He brings a wide variety of experiences and passions to the PSPR team. Jason comes to Point School PR with years of management experience in both therapeutic programming and summer camp programs.

    Jason takes an active approach to working with clients and their families, but his work does not stop at the admission process. He continues to be involved with clients and their families throughout their time at Point School Puerto Rico. A major focus of his work with young adults is helping them find and pursue their individual passions. Jason understands that this often leads to young adults finding newways to be successful. Jason received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Southern Urban Minority Politics from East Carolina University. Jason enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family. Jason enjoys taking his son on adventures across the country.

JOsh Watson,
LCSW

CHEIF GROWTH OFFICER

  • Josh is the Chief Growth Officer for Brightstone and it’s affiliate program, Point School Puerto Rico. As the CGO, Josh has the primary responsibility of ensuring innovative, sustainable, and quality growth across all areas of the organization. He maintains a regular focus on marketing, branding, customer service, strategic development, referral relations and client satisfaction.

    Josh graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He completed his graduate work in 2003 at the University of Georgia, earning a master’s degree in social work. He has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2006.

    Josh is a Georgia native and has over 20 years of leadership experience in the behavioral healthcare field, including ownership and executive positions in young adult programs, adventure therapy programs, residential treatment centers and therapeutic boarding schools. He has been a collaborative partner with Brightstone programs since 2014, serving on the planning committee to grow and expand The Autism Symposium, a nationally recognized event that brings awareness and innovative training to the field of Autism.

    Josh believes that strong organizational culture, solution-focused leadership, and authentic relationships are three key ingredients to any successful business. At the core, he is a people person and finds his greatest passion in elevating customer experience, leading cross-functional teams, brand management, and conflict resolution.

    Josh’s life values are aligned with faith, family, fun, and hard work. He enjoys spending time with his wife Cristen, two daughters Delaney and Lily Kate, and their Golden Doodle Baker Blu, traveling and doing all things outdoors. During his free time you will probably find Josh on the golf course, on the water, or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

ERIKA
Beniquez

  • Erika Beniquez was born in Chicago and raised in Puerto Rico, where she lived in several towns including Toa Baja, Bayamón, Carolina, Aguadilla, and Isabela. She has proudly served in the United States Army for 17 years and currently holds the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the Army Reserve. Throughout her military career, Erika has completed multiple levels of leadership training and consistently demonstrates dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of service.

    She earned her Bachelor's degree in Penal Justice from Universidad Ana G. Méndez in 2018. Erika currently enjoy her role at The Point,  brings her great joy as she supports the development and growth of young people. She believes strongly in leading by example and being a positive role model for others.

    Outside of her professional work, Erika is a certified volleyball coach as of March 2024 and actively coaches with Club Playeras Isabela. Her passion for volleyball and fitness is matched by her love for working with youth through sports. She plans to continue growing alongside The Point and further develop her leadership and coaching career within the community.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

CARLA
SHORTS, MS

ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR

  • Carla has a deep belief in the power of intentional communities. She has nearly 20 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and their families. Her ability to develop authentic relationships combined with her clinical aptitude will provide families and referral partners with confidence as they are guided through the admissions process.

    Carla graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in corporate and organizational communication. She earned her master’s degree in clinical and community counseling from John’s Hopkins University. 

    Carla is a proud South Carolina native (and self-described state history enthusiast). Outside of work, Carla enjoys the visual and performing arts. She is an avid painter, calligraphist and graphic designer. She enjoys spending time on the lake and watching various sporting events with her family and friends. 

Ben Reid

LEAD MENTOR

  • Ben Reid has been living in Puerto Rico since 2021 and has served as a Point School Mentor since 2022. Before moving to the island, he served for seven years as the House Manager for a sober living house in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri. Ben has also been a licensed Massage Therapist for 9 years and maintains diverse skill-sets with a certification as a Reiki Practitioner, as well as completing extensive coursework in Non-violent Communication (NVC).

    As an outdoor enthusiast, he quickly fell in love with the island's diverse beauty, and for two years he has served as a member of the local non-profit, Rescate Playas Borinquen. He loves integrating service learning opportunities like these with Point School students. Ben holds a background in outdoor education; graduating from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), having worked as a Camp Counselor in Colorado with Sanborn Western Camps.

    Pursing the cultivation of mind, body, & spirit, Ben integrates Zen Buddhist and Stoic philosophy into his daily lifestyle. He journals and practices yoga daily and is a habitual meditator. He believes greatly in the powerful catharsis found in creative expression, and is currently working on publishing a book of his poetry.

    Working with Point School has felt like a true alignment of purpose and passion for Ben, and he aims to meet each participant with humility, compassion, and a deep belief in everyone's inherent transformation abilities. Each day at work he finds moments that bring to mind a favorite personal mantra, "forever the teacher, forever the student,” reminding him to remain humble, and that everyone, in each unfolding moment, has the ability to contribute something of value, and also the ability to learn and grow.

Kathy
Hall, MS

SPANISH IMMERSION INSTRUCTOR

  • Kathy came to Puerto Rico to get her Master’s degree in Marine Biology at UPR 35 years ago, and has remained to wholeheartedly adopt the language and culture! She holds teaching certificates in Biology, Environmental Science, and Elementary Education, and almost finished a second Master’s in Environmental Science Education at UMET. She also is a certified surf instructor and coach with the International Surfing Association, and gives surf, snorkel, and SUP lessons. Kathy has taken most of her classes in Spanish, and has realized that learning another language is much easier in an immersion setting.

    Kathy is president of the Liga Ecológica del Noroeste, a nonprofit environmental group she cofounded in 1992, and vice-president of Rescate Playas Isabela, where she is in charge of the coastal water testing program. She has gotten students involved in both taking samples, and learning how to run them in the lab to measure bacterial levels. Kathy also works with endangered species such as sea turtles and corals, and enjoys every opportunity to get students involved in protecting them.

Christina Alvarez, pLPC, MPC

LICENSED THERAPIST

  • Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Christina Alvarez brings a dynamic blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and wholehearted dedication to her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a minor in Addictions and Trauma. Christina is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified Professional Life Coach through ICIPR, an ICF-accredited program. She also holds certifications in Resilience, Health & Well-Being, Spirituality, and Business Coaching.

    In August, Christina will begin her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) at Carlos Albizu University in Old San Juan—a step forward in her lifelong commitment to learning and service.

    In addition to her clinical and coaching work, Christina proudly serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves and was honored as Junior Sailor of the Quarter in February.

    Outside of work, Christina leads an active lifestyle and enjoys fit boxing (a mix of boxing and CrossFit), open-water swimming, running, and pretty much any sport she’s invited to try. She's also a devoted animal lover and proud dog mom to four pups.

David
Ramos

LEAD MENTOR

  • David Ramos is a powerhouse first-line leader known for his grounded presence, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering commitment to lifting others up. Whether he’s mentoring a team member, supporting a friend, or guiding a young adult through a challenge, David shows up with heart, humility, and relentless determination.

    While he might not be winning any TikTok challenges (just ask about that one unforgettable attempt with his best friend), David’s real strength lies in authentic connection. He has a natural ability to relate to others—meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and offering support without hesitation.

    At his core, David is driven by love—especially for his son, Diego. His greatest hope is to raise Diego in a world where he feels safe, empowered, and deeply understood.

    With a heart as big as his laugh and a leadership style rooted in compassion, David leaves a lasting impact wherever he goes.

To the prospective Young Adults:

Once you step foot on the island, you will be immersed in a different culture and language. There will be new people, foods, and activities to experience. There will be room to grow in your strengths, passions, and future goals. Our staff will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone to become your best self. This experience is not only intense, it will be deeply gratifying if you are willing to test your vulnerability.

Are you up for the challenge?